Because of the constant use of nonrenewable sources of energy like coal and oil, there has been continuous damage to the earth, resulting in global warming. The good news is there have been constant efforts in making technology that decreases the use of fossil fuels or, if not, provide an alternative source of energy that is renewable.
One of these alternative means of energy is wind energy. Windmills are made to generate power and run facilities using wind turbines. The good thing about wind energy is it produces no waste. Around 20 million homes are powered by the current, and wind energy, and the number keeps on growing as the technology continues to grow.
Another great source of energy is tidal energy. While tidal energy uses the power of water to generate electricity, much like with hydroelectric methods, its application has more in common with wind turbines in many cases. Researchers say that tidal energy can suffice almost 20% of the energy needs in the United Kingdom.
You may be skeptical when you hear that a form of gas can be a source of renewable energy. However, hydrogen gas is entirely safe when being burned. Once produced, hydrogen gas cells emit only water vapor and warm air when in use. The primary issue with this alternative energy is that it is mostly derived from the use of fossil fuels.
The ground can also be a source of alternative energy sources. Geothermal energy is the extraction of energy from the ground above us. There is extraordinary growth in this energy sector as it had a five percent growth in 2015. This energy is easily accessible as all countries in the world have a landmass that they can use.
Perhaps solar energy has been the most popular source of energy for many years now. Unlike the other sources of alternative energy, solar energy can be bought and done at home by any family who wants it. When most people think of alternative energy sources, they tend to use solar power as an example.
There is nothing mysterious about solar energy being the cheapest form of alternative energy, as all you need is a solar panel. In December 2016, the cost of building and installing new solar electricity generation dropped to $1.65 per watt, narrowly beating out its renewable counterpart wind ($1.66/Watt) and its fossil fuel competitors.
In the United States alone, there have been 2 million solar panel installations in 2019. It took 40 years to accomplish the milestone of having one million facilities, but the surprising fact is it only took three years to reach its two million marks. The industry is projected to hit 4 million installations in 2023.
If you have no solar panels at home yet, you are missing a lot as a homeowner. There are tremendous benefits to getting solar panels installed on your roof. If you want to know the many benefits of having solar panels, you can read this Universal Contracting of Florida infographic.